Mattamy Homes USA has 43 new single-family homesites available at Sevilla in St. Augustine, new floor plans unveiled

Mattamy Homes USA has 43 new single-family homesites available at Sevilla in St. Augustine, new floor plans unveiled

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - Mattamy Homes USA, http://www.mattamyhomes.com/, the U.S. division of Canada’s largest home builder, recently acquired 43 new homesites at Sevilla, located off World Commerce Parkway and International Golf Parkway in St. Augustine.

Laura Bailey, vice president of sales and marketing for Mattamy Homes USA, said most of the homebuilder’s 43 new 50 and 60 foot homesites at Sevilla offer lake or conservation area frontage.

New single-family homes at Sevilla are priced from the $150s, Bailey said.

At the same time, Mattamy Homes is introducing new floor plans at Sevilla, which include the 2,164 square foot Ashley, the Jessica, with 1,888 square feet of living space, and the Michele, with 2,402 square feet. All the new plans include an optional bonus room, and a three-car garage is included in the Michele plan.

Mattamy plans to break ground by mid-June on a new model in the new neighborhood at Sevilla.

The homebuilder currently has one model home open and four ready-to-move-in homes available from its first 30-lot phase at Sevilla.

For sales information, contact Sue Andrews or Sharon Pacetti at Mattamy’s Sevilla Sales Center at 478 Casa Sevilla Ave., or call 904-940-9222.

For more information contact
Kerry Soltis, Marketing Manager Mattamy Homes-Jacksonville 904-279-9502

Laura Bailey, VP of Sales & Marketing Mattamy Homes USA 407-599-9994;

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

About Mattamy Homes
Mattamy Homes expanded into the U.S. in 2003 and has divisions in Jacksonville, Orlando, Charlotte, Phoenix and Minneapolis. The homebuilder is the largest and most active in Canada with annual revenues exceeding $1.3 billion. Visit http://www.mattamyhomes.com/.

Lennar's Central Florida Division Names Dawn Marie Pawlowski New Home Consultant at Heritage Hills in Clermont

Lennar's Central Florida Division Names Dawn Marie Pawlowski New Home Consultant at Heritage Hills in Clermont

CLERMONT, Fla. - Lennar’s Central Florida Division, which builds new homes in 32 communities in nine counties, has appointed Dawn Marie Pawlowski new home consultant.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida division, said Pawlowski will be selling Lennar homes at Heritage Hills, the homebuilder’s new Clermont community located off U.S. 27.

Pawlowski, with more than 20 years of experience in residential real estate and new home sales was formerly a real estate broker for Lakes of DeLand Realty.

For more information contact:
Mark Metheny, Lennar Division President-Central Florida, 813-769-5277

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

ICI Homes Chairman Hosseini optimistic about housing recovery

ICI Homes Chairman Hosseini optimistic about housing recovery

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – April is shaping up to be the best month for ICI Homes sales in the last three years, Mori Hosseini, chairman and CEO of the homebuilding company told the national audience on CNBC’s daily TV show Mad Money hosted by Jim Cramer earlier this week.

Cramer has been insisting that the hard data supports his conclusion that the housing market will bottom out in June of this year despite continued media commentary to the contrary. So he decided to reach out to one of the nation’s hardest hit markets – Florida, and to one of the nation’s largest privately-held homebuilders to get his perspective. Hosseini and Cramer discussed the state of the industry.

"Prices of homes stopped dropping in February and the velocity of sales picked up dramatically,” Hosseini said. “We are cautiously optimistic that we are coming out of the downturn and the worst is behind us.”

Hosseini has good reason to be optimistic. Traffic to the ICI sales centers has spiked in recent weeks, he said.

“There is demand out there because we cut our prices to their lowest levels in many years. Savvy buyers recognize tremendous value when they see it, so they’re finally getting off the fence, taking advantage of historically low interest rates and getting back into the market…and that’s good news for us.”

When asked why he thought the media was under reporting this shift in activity, Hosseini explained to Cramer and his audience that the media has always been a lagging indicator in any building recovery and it may be six to seven months into the rise of activity before the media starts reporting positive news.

Cramer closed the segment lauding Hosseini’s positive comments which he strongly indicated supports his theory that the housing bottom is nearing.

For more information, contact:
Lisa A. Egle, Marketing Manager ICI Homes-Daytona Beach, 386-236-4273

Rosemary Messina, VP Sales & Marketing ICI Homes, 386-236-4231

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

About ICI Homes
ICI homes, ranks among the top 100 Builders by Builder magazine and is one of the largest privately owned homebuilder in the US. The 30-year-old firm builds new homes and resort facilities in the Volusia-Flagler region as well as Northeast Florida, Orlando and Tampa.

Winter Park entrepreneur Ron Schwartz launches Ride Green Scooters dealerships in Winter Park, Orlando: 75 MPG transportation that costs $799 and up

Winter Park entrepreneur Ron Schwartz launches Ride Green Scooters dealerships in Winter Park, Orlando: 75 MPG transportation that costs $799 and up

WINTER PARK, Fla. - Winter Park entrepreneur Ron Schwartz has launched Ride Green Scooters, a dealership with two Central Florida locations that sell highly efficient scooters for highly efficient prices.

Schwartz, whose business interests include Park Plaza Gardens Restaurant & Café on Park Avenue in Winter Park and Scalini’s Pizza & Pasta on Dr. Phillips Blvd. in southwest Orlando, said Ride Green Scooters sells scooters priced to fit almost every pocketbook---from $799 to $2,000.

The Asian-manufactured two-wheelers range from 50 cc's to 250 cc's and boast 75-80 miles per gallon, Schwartz said.

Ride Green Scooters has already opened its first location at 671 W. Fairbanks Ave. Schwartz said a second location will open in 90 days at 7217 E. Colonial Drive.

Ride Green Scooters partners John Henderson (left) and partner Brian Schwartz

Schwartz’s son Brian is a partner in the venture and serves as director of sales.
Partner John Henderson heads the new firm’s maintenance division, and Schwartz said Ride Green Scooters also repairs and maintains other scooter brands.

“In America we’re obsessed by cars, but worldwide, most people get around on small, energy-efficient scooters,” said Schwartz. “The benefits to the environment, and to America’s need to wean itself from dependence on foreign oil, is too much to pass up. We’re proud to take part in the greening of America in a big, positive way,” he said.

Ride Green Scooters is open daily and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5.

For more information, please contact:
Ron Schwartz, Principal, Ride Green Scooter 407-342-3648 (direct);

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Only One Model Luxury Home Remains for Sale at Toscana in Palm Coast

Only One Model Luxury Home Remains for Sale at Toscana in Palm Coast

PALM COAST, Fla. - Only one model luxury home remains for sale at Toscana, the luxury community ABD Development, Inc. is developing off Old King’s Rd. in Palm Coast.

David Kohn, president of ABD Development Company said ABD recently sold its second model luxury home at Toscana.

The remaining Manchester model home, priced at $889,000, offers five bedrooms and four baths in 5,200 square feet of living space---the largest home ABD builds.

Kohn said ABD Development Company is designing a new model home at Toscana.

For more information, contact
David Kohn, President, ABD Development Company, 407-370-6400

Sofi Coffey, Marketing Manager ABD Development Company, 407-370-6400

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty negotiates lease agreement for 4,558 square feet of Class A office space in Plaza North Tower in Orlando

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty negotiates lease agreement for 4,558 square feet of Class A office space in Plaza North Tower in Downtown Orlando

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said John Kurtz of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty’s World Marketing Center Team negotiated the lease agreement representing the landlord, Swamp Donkey LLC.

The lease agreement is worth more than $500,000, Soderstrom said.

For more information please contact
Roger Soderstrom, Founder/Owner Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty 407-588-1260

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty
Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive services include luxury residential, new homes, commercial, worldwide auctions, property management, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates five performance centers which serve all of Central Florida.

Central Florida District of Rotary Clubs to Continue Expansion, District Governor to Head Expansion Committee Next Year

Central Florida District of Rotary Clubs to Continue Expansion, District Governor to Head Expansion Committee Next Year

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Central Florida District of Rotary International will continue its efforts to expand next year even though District Governor Carlos Giraldo will step down in June when his one-year term expires.

Giraldo, who heads CRSHotels.com in Maitland, began his term as district governor with a call for major expansion in Central Florida and efforts to recruit new members from Central Florida’s Hispanic communities. Giraldo has agreed to head the Rotary International Central Florida District’s Club Extension Committee in 2009-2010.

Giraldo said five new Rotary International chapters will open within the next 12 months at Poinciana, the Four Corners area, South Orange County, Lake Nona, and Baldwin Park.

The Four Corners Rotary Club chapter will be chartered in about three weeks, Giraldo said.

“Rotary International offers a special opportunity for business leaders to play an active role in benefiting their communities in real ways that count,” Giraldo said. “That’s a real value for most people and our recruitment efforts are paying off handsomely,” he said.

For more information, please contact:
Carlos H. Giraldo, District Governor Rotary International, 407.376.5368, carlos@crshotels.com

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407.644.4142, lvershelco@aol.com

Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida Negotiates Renewal lease at Brandon Medical Plaza

Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida Negotiates Renewal lease at Brandon Medical Plaza

TAMPA, Fla. - Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida, associated with 130 offices worldwide, recently negotiated a renewal agreement for 2,200 square feet of medical office space in the Brandon Medical Plaza at 427 S. Parsons Ave. in Brandon.

Richard Andretta, SIOR, vice president in the firm’s Office Group and associate Rob Turner negotiated the transaction representing the landlord, G&E Healthcare REIT Medical Portfolio based in South Coast Metro, Calif.

Local practitioner Dr. Larry Fishman is the tenant.

About Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida

Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida is an affiliated commercial real estate services firm specializing in the leasing and sale of office, industrial, retail, land and investment properties. Currently Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida has 30 brokers divided among its Tampa, Orlando and Melbourne offices which serve the entire mid-Florida marketplace.

About Grubb & Ellis,

Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE) is one of the largest and most respected commercial real estate services and investment companies. With more than 130 owned and affiliate offices worldwide, Grubb & Ellis offers property owners, corporate occupants and investors comprehensive integrated real estate solutions, including transaction, management, consulting and investment advisory services supported by proprietary market research and extensive local market expertise.

Grubb & Ellis and its subsidiaries are leading sponsors of real estate investment programs that provide individuals and institutions the opportunity to invest in a broad range of real estate investment vehicles, including tax-deferred 1031 tenant-in-common (TIC) exchanges; public non-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs) and real estate investment funds. As of March 31, 2008, more than $3.4 billion in investor equity has been raised for these investment programs. The company and its subsidiaries currently manage a growing portfolio of more than 218 million square feet of real estate. In 2007, Grubb & Ellis was selected from among 15,000 vendors as Microsoft Corporation's Vendor of the Year. For more information regarding Grubb & Ellis Company, please visit http://www.grubb-ellis.com/.

For information contact:
Richard Andretta,813-639-1111, Ext.255, 3030 N. Rocky Point Drive W.,Tampa, FL 33609, http://www.commercialfl.com/

Rob Turner, 813-639-1111, Ext. 235, 3030 N. Rocky Point Drive W.,Tampa, FL 33609, http://www.commercialfl.com/

Jeffrey Sweeney, 407-481-5387

Larry Vershel, 407-644-4142

ABD Development Starts Construction of a New Model Home at Heritage Green at Providence Golf & Country Club

ABD Development Starts Construction of a New Model Home at Heritage Green at Providence Golf & Country Club

ORLANDO, Fla. - ABD Development Company, which is developing the 2,200 acre master planned Providence Golf & Country Club community in Polk County, reports it has started construction of a four-bedroom, three-bath luxury Courtyard model home at Heritage Green at Providence.

David Kohn, president of ABD Development Company, said the 3,035 square foot Courtyard model home is priced at $520,000 and is expected to be completed at the end of the year.

For more information, contact
David Kohn, President, ABD Development Company, 407-370-6400

Sofi Coffey, Marketing Manager ABD Development Company, 407-370-6400

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

Avalon School of Music Launches Summer Music Camps

Avalon School of Music Launches Summer Music Camps

ORLANDO, Fla. – Avalon School of Music at Avalon Park in east Orlando has launched a series of music summer camps to offer children of all ages one-week immersion sessions with full-day professional instruction that includes snacks and lunch.

Stephanie Hodson, marketing coordinator at Avalon Park, said the one-week camps cost $275 per student.

Camp themes include Rock Guitar and Exploration, Rock Band, Drums and Percussion, Song writing, and Pop singing, Hodson said. The Camps will be held at all three of the school’s locations with full details available at www.AvalonMusicCenter.com/summer2009.asp

Registration is under way now and space is limited, Hodson said. For more information, contact Avalon School of Music camp coordinator Jessica McMahan at 407-770-0323 or jmcmahan@avalonmusiccenter.com.

For more information about this release, contact:
Stephanie Hodson, Marketing Coordinator, Avalon Park Group, 407-658-6565

Beat Kahli, Owner/Founder, Avalon Park Group, 407-658-6565

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

GeoFitness Director Dr. JoAnne Owens-Nauslar wins National Girls & Women in Sports & Fitness award in event sponsored by the AHA

GeoFitness Director Dr. JoAnne Owens-Nauslar wins National Girls & Women in Sports & Fitness award in event sponsored by the American Heart Association

ORLANDO, Fla. – Dr. JoAnne Owens-Nauslar, director of corporate and community development for GeoFitness, Inc., was recently presented with the Ann Campbell Pioneer Award by Star City Sports in Lincoln, Neb. The award was presented in conjunction with National Girls & Women in Sports & Fitness Recognition Day and acknowledges Dr. Owens-Nauslar’s 40-year commitment to equity for girls and women by influencing policy makers and stakeholders.

Dr. Owens-Nauslar is one the nation’s most vocal personalities on issues of physical activity. A reputable teacher, motivational speaker and coach, “Dr. Jo” is determined to help every American understand and enjoy the benefits of healthy active living.

GeoFitness, Inc. is a leading provider of products and programs for education and physical fitness, based in Orlando.

“GeoFitness and Dance, and Learnercise products are designed to increase personal success through learning and physical activity. I believe that every school and every child will quickly see the benefits of such programs,” said Dr. Owens-Nauslar.

“Dr. Jo is a tireless promoter of healthier active living, an inspiration to us and everyone she meets” said Dr. Debby Mitchell, president and founder of GeoFitness, Inc.

American Heart Association, sponsor of this event, writes in the February issue of the Star City Sports Magazine: “Congratulations Dr. Jo on receiving the Anne Campbell Award. Thank you for all you do in promoting wellness and partnering with the AHA to fulfill the mission of building healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.”

About GeoFitness, Inc:
GeoFitness, Inc is an innovative fitness and learning leader, providing fun, safe and easy methods and products to encourage learning, physical activity and fitness. GeoFitness and Dance, and Learnercise are movement-based products and curriculum that are developmentally appropriate, easy to use, and cost effective to increase fitness and academic achievement.

The company was founded in 2002 by Dr. Debby Mitchell, Associate Professor, Coordinator of Sports and Fitness for University of Central Florida. Based in Orlando, FL, GeoFitness is a client of the University of Central Florida Incubator Program.

To learn more about GeoFitness, Inc. or to order GeoFitness and Dance, and Learnercise products, please visit: http://www.geofitness.com/ or call 407-275-0510.

About the UCF Incubator Program:
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Incubator Program has helped more than 100 emerging companies create over $300 million in annual revenue and more than 900 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With five facilities across the metro Orlando community, the Incubator Program provides a collaboration environment for economic development between UCF, local cities and counties and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council in Central Florida.

To learn more about the UCF Incubator Program please visit http://www.incubator.ucf.edu/ or contact Carol Ann Dykes, UCF Incubation Program Site Manager, 407-882-1120 or cdykes@mail.ucf.edu;

For more information about this press release, contact
Gabriela Coban, Ten-global, LLC at 407-492-0570 or gcoban@ten-global.com;

or Larry Vershel Communications at 386-837-8780 or 407-644-4142; lvershelco@aol.com.

Builders, Developers Can Solicit Financial Support from Owners of Self-Directed IRAs

Builders, Developers Can Solicit Financial Support from Owners of Self-Directed IRAs

LAKE MARY, Fla. - Builders and developers who are finding it difficult to secure financing from traditional lenders can solicit owners of self-directed retirement accounts, says a leading funds administrator.

Glen Mather, president of Entrust Administrative Services, which administers more than 2,000 retirement accounts that total more than $200 million from offices in Lake Mary, Boca Raton and Jacksonville, told the Latin Builders Association in Miami recently that they should go directly to the source to seek alternative funding for worthy projects.

“It’s not just homes, it’s commercial too,” Mather told the more than 70 builders in the audience. “Builders and developers can gain access to finance through individual IRAs if they take the time to learn the correct approach,” he said.

Mather said IRAs can lend to companies, limited partnerships and individual ventures and serve as a stockholder.

Mather said one representative in the group was raising funds to finance individuals who wanted to buy mortgages.

“They are pooling resources to provide financing for distressed properties at a very low price so that individuals can acquire and remodel properties for resale or rental,” Mather said. “The IRAs would then become the lien holders---in effect, the bank---to make these transactions happen.

For more information contact:
Glen Mather, President Entrust Administrative Services, Inc. 407-367-3472 gmather@entrustfl.com;

Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142 lvershelco@aol.com

Eginity Invited to Present at Florida Venture Forum Early Stage Venture Capital Conference May 15

Eginity Invited to Present at Florida Venture Forum Early Stage Venture Capital Conference May 15

ORLANDO, Fla. - Eginity, an Orlando-based company that specializes in Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) technology, has been invited to showcase itself at the Florida Venture Forum 2009 Early Stage Venture Capital Conference May 15 at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate.

Rob Allen, president and co-founder of the one-year-old start-up firm, said he’s confident that Eginity’s new EON Platform – an end-to-end WSN solution – will get a lot of attention from venture capital investors.

“The WSN market is substantial,” Allen said. “WSN has already been spotlighted by leading IT researchers as one of the top 10 technology growth sectors through 2012,” he added.

“WSN technology gives an IP-address to an object, making it ‘smart’ – meaning it can gather and transmit information about its condition or environment over the Internet,” explained Allen. “Although WSNs are used extensively in defense and industrial settings, high costs have limited use in other areas. The EON Platform eliminates this issue, paving the way for the development of hundreds of new ‘smart’ commercial applications,” he said.

“Eginity’s EON Platform was designed to be licensed or acquired by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for incorporation into existing or new products,” Allen said.

“We have expertise at every level of WSN technology, and the resulting uncomplicated design of the EON Platform will make it the cornerstone for new WSN applications,” he added.

EON Platform technology will enable manufacturers to substantially reduce the costs of existing sensor networks, enable current “stand-alone” sensor applications with WSN functionality, or invent and rapidly develop new “smart” solutions.

Eginity is a member client of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program.

For more information about this press release, contact:
Rob Allen, President, Eginity, 407-745-0097 rallen@eginity.com (http://www.eginity.com/)

Gordon Hogan, Site Manager, UCF Incubation Program-Downtown, 407-882-1577, bizdev@mail.ucf.edu

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications Inc., 407-644-4142, lvershelco@aol.com

About the UCF Incubation Program:
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Incubation Program has helped more than 100 emerging companies (including nearly 70 current clients) create over $500 million in annual revenue and more than 900 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With five facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development between the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Winter Springs, and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit http://www.incubator.ucf.edu/.

Two Architects at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Earn LEED Professional Certification For Energy-Efficient Design

Two Architects at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects Earn LEED Professional Certification For Energy-Efficient Design

ORLANDO, Fla. - Two architects at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC, based in Orlando’s Baldwin Park, recently earned the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED-AP certification for their expertise in energy efficient design.

Lonnie Peterson, chairman of Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, said Chris Renegar and Carrie Manes earned the USGBC’s LEED-AP professional designation, which recognizes their completion of a rigorous curriculum of study in energy efficient design and environmental quality.

The USGBC LEED-AP curriculum focuses on energy efficient design, specification of durable and energy-efficient construction and finishing materials and use of efficient equipment and appliances.

“The USGBC’s LEED-AP protocol is an important qualification and we have encouraged all of our design staff to participate,” said Peterson.

Renegar joined Cuhaci & Peterson Architects eight years ago. Manes, a graduate architect, joined Cuhaci & Peterson Architects three years ago as an architect intern from Ball State College.

Peterson said the firm now employs 12 LEED-AP certified professionals and expects that will increase to 15 before the end of the year.

For more information, contact:
Lonnie Peterson, Chairman Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, LLC 407-661-9100

Jed Downs, President Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, 407-661-9100

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Entrust Administrative Services Posts Record Growth In March

Entrust Administrative Services Posts Record Growth In March

LAKE MARY, Fla. - Entrust Administrative Services, Inc., which administers more than 2,000 self-directed retirement funds worth more than $200 million from offices in Lake Mary, Boca Raton and Jacksonville, reported record growth in March.

Glen Mather, president of Entrust Administrative Services, said the company enrolled 61 new accounts in March worth an estimated $5 million.

Since Jan. 1, Entrust Administrative Services has enrolled 115 new accounts with an estimated value of $11 million.

“March ranks as our third best month since we opened our doors in 2003,” Mather said.

“Given current economic conditions, more people are taking control of their retirement accounts and making their own their investments,” Mather said. “We see this as an indication that American citizens are beginning to play a more important role in the direction of economic recovery,” Mather said.

For more information contact:

Glen Mather, President Entrust Administrative Services, Inc. 407-367-3472 gmather@entrustfl.com;

Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142 lvershelco@aol.com

UCF Business Incubation Program to Expand to Leesburg, St. Cloud

UCF Business Incubation Program to Expand to Leesburg, St. Cloud

ORLANDO, Fla. - The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program, which currently serves more than 70 full-time clients in five Central Florida facilities, plans to expand to include programs in Leesburg and St. Cloud.

Dr. Tom O’Neal, associate vice president for the University’s Department of Research & Commercialization and executive director of the UCF Business Incubation Program, said he expects to open operations in St. Cloud and Leesburg by next spring.

Currently, the UCF Business Incubation Program operates two facilities near the University of Central Florida campus in Research Park, and three more – on Orange Ave. in downtown Orlando, in east Orlando on East Colonial and in Winter Springs at S.R. 434 and the 417.

“Effective incubation programs have proved to be the most cost efficient ways to stimulate local economic growth,” O’Neal explained.

O’Neal, who founded the UCF Business Incubation Program and ranks as one of the leading U.S. experts on business incubators, said successful incubation programs offer several common characteristics including: stable, sustainable program funding; a strong market position; entrepreneurial management; affiliation with a major research institution; a blue-ribbon board of directors or advisors; the ability to attract quality client companies; a strong client screening process; measurable goals and objectives; strong value-added services; and access to investment capital and community partnerships.

For more information contact:

Tom O’Neal. Ph.D, UCF Associate Vice President for Research and Commercialization and Incubation Program Executive Director, 407-882-1120, oneal@mail.ucf.edu

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142 Lvershelco@aol.com

About the UCF Incubation Program:
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Incubation Program has helped more than 100 emerging companies (including nearly 70 current clients) create over $500 million in annual revenue and more than 900 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With five facilities across the metro Orlando community, the Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development between UCF, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Winter Springs, and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit http://www.incubator.ucf.edu/.

ICI Homes Decides To Sell Off Million Dollar Homes In Palencia Below Cost - All Offers Considered

ICI Homes Decides To Sell Off Million Dollar Homes In Palencia Below Cost - All Offers Considered

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - Three completed luxury homes – each valued at a million dollars plus – in the exclusive Palencia golf and country club community located off Toricino Blvd. in St. Augustine have been drastically reduced for quick sale.

“We need to move the last of our ready-to-move-in homes so we can move forward with the next phase of development at Palencia,” said Don Wilford, president of the Jacksonville division of ICI Homes. “And we are willing to consider all offers.”

“With all the activity the Parade of Homes will bring to Palencia and our flexibility on sale price, we think these homes will be sold before the end of this month.”

The three two-story homes with four to six bedrooms, three-and-a-half to five bathrooms and three-car garages range in size from 3,800 square feet of living space to 4,500 square feet. All three homes front on the fourth hole of the golf course. They may be previewed at www.ICIHomes.com/belowcost.

“Since we put our below cost pricing into effect, we’ve seen more activity in a week than we’ve seen in a year and a half,” Wilford said. “Our decision to let these three homes go into the program was a tough one, but I guarantee three smart new homeowners will be getting a deal of a lifetime.”

For more information, please contact:

Don Wilford, Division President ICI Homes-Jacksonville 904-281-0800

Dan Block, Sales Associate, ICI Homes at Palencia 904-819-0167

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, LV Communications, 407-644-4142

About ICI Homes:
ICI homes, ranks among the top 100 Builders by Builder magazine and is one of the largest privately owned homebuilder in the US. The 30-year-old firm builds new homes and resort facilities in the Volusia-Flagler region as well as Northeast Florida, Orlando and Tampa.

Lennars Central Florida Division to Host Realtor Appreciation Day Luncheons May 5 at Four Tampa and Lakeland Area Restaurants and Gardens

Lennars Central Florida Division to Host Realtor Appreciation Day Luncheons May 5 at Four Tampa and Lakeland Area Restaurants and Gardens

TAMPA, Fla. - Lennar’s Central Florida Division, which builds new town homes and single-family homes in 29 active neighborhoods in Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, Polk, Osceola, Orange, Lake, Seminole and Brevard counties, will host Realtor Appreciation Day luncheons May 5 in four Tampa and Lakeland area restaurants and gardens.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said local Realtors play a big role in Lennar’s new home sales.

“About half of all our new home sales start with local Realtors,” Metheny said. “We take great pains to reward them for their efforts,” he said

.
Metheny said Lennar plans to unveil a wide range of new incentives, bonuses and prizes for participating Realtors during its Realtor Appreciation Day luncheons.
In November, Lennar will reward 10 top Realtors with prizes and bonuses Metheny described as “breathtaking.”

Lennar’s Realtor Appreciation Day Luncheons are scheduled for the Green Iguana Restaurant in Brandon, Hollis Gardens in Lakeland, the Cantina Laredo in the Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel, and Up the Creek Restaurant in Lutz.

For more information, contact:
Jassy Friddle, Marketing Manager Lennar, 813-769-5277, jassyfriddle@Zadv.com

Mark Metheny, Lennar Division President-Central Florida, 813-769-5277, Mark.Metheny@Lennar.com

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, lvershelco@aol.com

Hotels in New York, Washington, D.C., Florida offer Valuable Packages, Special Incentives to Improve Bookings during Summer Travel Season

Hotels in New York, Washington, D.C., Florida offer Valuable Packages, Special Incentives to Improve Bookings during Summer Travel Season

MAITLAND, Fla. - CRSHotels.com, one of the nation’s largest online select hotel reservations systems, reports that hotels in New York, Washington, D.C. and Florida are developing valuable packages and special incentives to improve bookings during the summer travel season.

“Many of the packages and special incentives are uniquely valuable because smaller, select hotels are competing with major chain properties for guests,” said Carlos Giraldo, president of CRSHotels.com.

The online booking agency, which posted sales worth more than $18 million last year, is working with hotel clients to develop and promote the packages, Giraldo said.
“Select hotels can offer substantially more value in a package or incentive offer because they aren’t governed by corporate mandates and chain hotel requirements,” Giraldo said.

For more information, please contact:

Carlos H. Giraldo, President Central Reservation Service Corp. (CRSHotels.com) 407.376.5368; carlos@crshotels.com

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan Larry Vershel Communications 407.644.4142; lvershelco@aol.com

Lennar Starts Construction of Two New Model Homes, Unveils New Floor Plans at Legends Golf & Country Club in Clermont

Lennar Starts Construction of Two New Model Homes, Unveils New Floor Plans at Legends Golf & Country Club in Clermont

CLERMONT, Fla. - Lennar’s Central Florida Division has started construction of two new model homes and introduced new floor plans at Legends Golf & Country Club, a gated, luxury community located on Glenraven Lane off U.S. 27 in Clermont.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said the two new models, with 2,433 square feet and 3,141 square feet respectively, feature three and four-bedrooms with two and three-car garages.

New single-family homes at Legends Golf & Country Club range from 2,131 square feet of living space to 3,141 square feet and are priced from the mid $200s, Metheny said.

Altogether Lennar is adding five new plans at Legends, where homebuyers may also select a basement plan offered by the homebuilder at this community.

For more information, contact:

Elizabeth Hill, Sales and Marketing Administrator – Central Florida, 407 654-4862 x113, Elizabeth.Hill@lennar.com

Paul V. Brooks, Lennar Director of Sales & Marketing-Central Florida, 407-654-4862, Paul.Brooks@lennar.com

Mark Metheny, Lennar Division President-Central Florida, 813-769-5277, Mark.Metheny@Lennar.com

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, lvershelco@aol.com

Melrose-Sovereign Companies Awarded two new Management Contracts at Apartment Communities in Southeast and Southwest Orlando

Melrose-Sovereign Companies Awarded two new Management Contracts at Apartment Communities in Southeast and Southwest Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. - Melrose-Sovereign Companies, the Orlando-based real estate management firm that specializes in rental apartment communities, condominiums and homeowner associations, was awarded contracts to manage two rental apartment communities in Orlando.

Ellen Lumpkin, LCAM, co-founder and partner at the firm with Jack Hanson, said the new management assignments include:

Waterford Landings, where Melrose-Sovereign will manage 72 of the 200 plus units at the community on Alafaya Trail in southeast Orlando; and at Walden Palms, Melrose-Sovereign will also manage a cluster of 72 apartments in the community of over 200 units located off Conroy-Windermere Road near the Mall at Millennia.

Melrose-Sovereign Companies currently manages properties for more than 150 developers, investors and owners throughout Florida. The firm employs more than 100 property management specialists with offices in Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Palm Harbor, Bradenton/Sarasota, Port Charlotte and Fort Myers.

For more information, contact:
Ellen G. Lumpkin, LCAM, Partner/Co-founder, Melrose-Sovereign Companies, 407-228-4181, mailto:elumpkin@melrose-sovereign.com%20Jack
Jack B. Hanson, LCAM, Partner/Co-founder, Melrose-Sovereign Companies, 407-228-4181, jhanson@melrose-sovereign.com
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, Lvershelco@aol.com

Crossman & Company Appoints Whitaker Leonhardt Research Analyst

Crossman & Company Appoints Whitaker Leonhardt Research Analyst

ORLANDO, Fla. - Crossman & Company, one of Central Florida’s leading retail leasing and property management firms, has appointed Whitaker Leonhardt research analyst.

John Crossman, president of Crossman & Company, said Leonhardt attended Georgetown University in Washington D.C. and will graduate with a masters degree in real estate from the University of Florida in May.

For more information please contact:
John Crossman CCIM, President, Crossman & Company, 407-581-6218
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

About Crossman & Company:
Crossman & Company is one of the largest third-party retail leasing and management companies in Central Florida, based upon the total number of retail square footage. Founded in Orlando, Fla. in 1990, Crossman & Company is a full service commercial real estate firm that advises its clients in leasing, management, development and investment sales of retail and office properties. Please visit http://www.crossmanco.com/, or call 407.423.5400 for more information.

Global Network Solutions, Inc. Earns HIPAA Professional Certification

Global Network Solutions, Inc. Earns HIPAA Professional Certification

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. - Global Network Solutions, Inc., specializing in data security for small and medium-sized businesses and professional associations, recently earned a coveted professional designation that certifies the company’s ability to meet security compliance regulations of the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Bruce Mizell, chief information officer of Global Network Solutions, said the firm recently earned a CHP designation as Certified HIPPA Professionals after completing a rigorous curriculum offered by the HIPPA Academy, a training institute whose participating organizations include the FBI, the U.S. Army and Air Force, AT&T, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

HIPPA Academy is the only HIPPA training institute endorsed by the American Hospital Association.

“HIPPA Academy is the world’s first institute to introduce a certification and training program built on the HIPAA regulations,” said Mizell.

Global Network Solutions is a client company of the University of Central Florida’s Seminole County Incubator site at 1511 E. S.R. 434 in Winter Springs.

For more information please contact:
Bruce Mizell, Chief Information Officer, Global Network Solutions, 636-352-4113
Esther Vargas-Davis, Site Manager, UCF Incubator-Seminole County 407-278-4881
Tom O’Neal, Ph.D., Executive Director, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-882-1102
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

About the UCF Incubation Program:
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Incubation Program has helped more than 100 emerging companies (including nearly 70 current clients) create over $500 million in annual revenue and more than 900 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With five facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development between the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Winter Springs, and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit http://www.incubator.ucf.edu/.

Stirling Investment and Commercial Group Negotiates New Long-Term Lease at Lexington Park in Sanford

Stirling Investment and Commercial Group Negotiates New Long-Term Lease at Lexington Park in Sanford

SANFORD, Fla. - Stirling Investment and Commercial Group, a division of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty based in Lake Mary, recently negotiated a new long-term lease agreement at Lexington Park, located on S.R. 46 and Mangoustine Rd. in Sanford.

Frank Dever, managing director of Stirling Investment and Commercial Group, negotiated the lease agreement representing the landlord, Lexington Park, LLC.

Heart 2 Heart, a birthing center, leased 2,400 square feet in the 3,600 square foot building, Dever said. The new building, which is now under construction, will open this summer.

Ron Fanelli, an associate at Stirling Investment and Commercial Group, participated in the lease transaction representing Heart 2 Heart.

For more information, please contact:
Frank Dever, Managing Director, Stirling Investment and Commercial Group 407-571-2234;
Roger Soderstrom,Owner/Founder Stirling Investment and Commercial Group 407-588-1260;
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Co-Founder, CEO of NR Electronics in Winter Springs Wins Latina Style Magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Co-Founder, CEO of NR Electronics in Winter Springs Wins Latina Style Magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. - Liza Ordonez, co-founder, president and chief executive officer of NR Electronics, the Winter Springs firm that specializes in hard-to-find electronic components, was named Orlando’s Entrepreneur of the Year by Latina Style Magazine.

Ordonez, who was born in Zaragoza, Spain, earned her B.F.A. Degree from Kansas State University.

She was honored at a special event at the Wyndham Orlando Resort recently.

NR Electronics, Inc. is a client company of the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program in Winter Springs. The incubator is a partnership between UCF, Seminole County Government, the City of Winter Springs and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council.

For more information, please contact:
Norberto Ruiz, Operations Director, NR Electronics LLC, 407-278-8885 or 7548 Norberto@nrelectronics.com;
Esther Vargas-Davis, Site Manager, UCF Incubator–Seminole County, 407-278-4881; evargasd@mail.ucf.edu;
Dr. Tom O’Neal, Executive Director, UCF Incubation Program, 407-882-1120;
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

About the UCF Incubation Program:
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Incubation Program has helped more than 100 emerging companies (including nearly 70 current clients) create over $500 million in annual revenue and more than 900 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With five facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development between the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Winter Springs, and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit http://www.incubator.ucf.edu/.

Small Bay Partners, LLC, Succeeding Despite Economy Downturn

Small Bay Partners, LLC, Succeeding Despite Economy Downturn

ORLANDO, Fla. - Small Bay Partners, LLC, the Orlando-based company that specializes in developing small bay industrial facilities for business users of 2,000 to 20,000 square feet of space, has continued to grow despite a sagging economy.

Howard Schieferdecker, one of the founders and principals of Small Bay Partners, LLC, said good planning is the reason.

“Our master strategy has always been to limit debt on our properties,” Schieferdecker said.

“When we saw the problems coming in late 2007 and early 2008, we did everything we could to reduce debt as much as possible, so most of the property that we have now is owned free and clear,” he said.

Small Bay currently owns a 16-acre Apopka parcel that is slated for future development, Monroe CommerCenter IV in Sanford, with 73,650 square feet of warehouse condominium space; and Poinciana CommerCenter, which is under development now with 120,000 square feet.

“The key to surviving downturns is to avoid excessive debt on development projects,” Geof Longstaff, another principal of Small Bay Partners, explained.

Small Bay Partners is also well capitalized.

“We have quite a bit of cash in the bank to hold us. If there is a problem that comes up, we have plenty of funds to take care of it until the market turns,” he said.

For more information contact
Howard Schieferdecker, Principal Small Bay Partners, LLC 407-702-3131, haschief@aol.com;
Geof Longstaff, Principal Small Bay Partners, LLC - 407-786-5040; glongstaff@mercantilecc.com;
George Livingston, Principal, Small Bay Partners LLC - 407-857-9989 glivingston@realvest.com;
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Beazer Homes Offers Town Homes Priced From Mid $130s in Newest Phase at Verano in the Mandarin Area

Beazer Homes Offers Town Homes Priced From Mid $130s in Newest Phase at Verano in the Mandarin Area

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Beazer Homes is offering two and three bedroom town homes priced from the mid $130s in the second phase at Verano, a town home community located off Bartram Park Rd. in the Mandarin area.

David Byrnes, president of Beazer Homes in Florida, said 10 ready-to-move-in town homes are available in the second phase, where 50 town homes are planned ranging in size from 1,400 square feet of living space to 1,500 square feet with one-car garages.

Beazer Homes is also offering to pay closing costs up to 3.5 percent of the sale price, Byrnes said.

Beazer Homes is one of the country's 10 largest single-family homebuilders with operations in 17 states. Headquartered in Atlanta, Beazer Homes is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "BZH."

For more information, contact:
Theresa Tilton, Vice President of Sales Beazer Homes/Florida, 407-339-4114, ttilton@beazer.com
David Byrnes, President/Beazer Homes Florida, 407-339-4114, dbyrnes@beazer.com
Brooke Keysor-Edge, SE Regional Marketing Specialist Beazer Homes/ SE Region, 407-339-4114, bkeysor@beazer.com
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Datanautix, Inc. CEO Interviewed by TechJournal South about helping bring offshored Jobs Back to the U.S.

Datanautix, Inc. CEO Interviewed by TechJournal South about helping bring offshored Jobs Back to the U.S.

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. – Datanautix, Inc., an innovative technology firm based in Winter Springs, was profiled recently by TechJournal South, a technology business publication for the Southeast region, reaching over 60,000 technology executives each month. Detailed coverage can be found online at the TechJournal South site on this link http://www.techjournalsouth.com/news/article.html?item_id=7156.

Sanjay Patel, the founder and president of Datanautix was interviewed and the company profiled as a viable alternative for firms seeking to reduce costs in the customer service centers without having to resort to moving the calls overseas. Developed over the past three years, Patel explained that Datanautix’ proprietary conversation-mapping technology is designed to leverage the science of consumer behavior and operational analysis to help companies drive breakthrough change in how they manage contact center interactions with their customers.

“Our innovative new technology has been developed at the UCF Technology Incubator,” said Patel, “and has leveraged grants from sources such as the National Science Foundation and Enterprise Florida. Getting coverage like this in technology publications is a strong indication of the timeliness of solutions such as the Datanautix Intelligent Interaction Analytics offering.”

“The economic challenges we face coupled with globalization gaining momentum, it is critical for companies to drive to a level of efficiency and effectiveness. Our solution gives companies a viable alternative to taking jobs offshore” said Patel.
The Datanautix Intelligent Interaction Analytics technology can track more than 200 possible customer experience indicators to capture the context of agent/customer interactions in a call center. “By combining our proprietary measurement toolkit with our data analytics and predictive modeling technology, we are able to pinpoint specific areas of process change and improvement that typically yields a 20-30 percent savings with an overall improvement in customer satisfaction of 15-25 percent,” Patel said.

Datanautix is a client company of the University of Central Florida’s Seminole County Incubator site at 1511 E. S.R. 434 in Winter Springs.

For more information please contact:
Sanjay Patel, Founder & President, Datanautix, 407-349-5330, sanjay@datanautix.com
Esther Vargas-Davis, Site Manager, UCF Incubator-Seminole County, 407-278-4881
Tom O’Neal, Ph.D., Executive Director, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-882-1102
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

About Datanautix:
Datanautix Inc. specializes in helping companies drive key business process improvements in the contact center/customer management market. The Datanautix Intelligent Interaction Analytics and “active listening” approach not only improves on traditional QA and CSAT measurement challenges, but goes beyond the ‘traditional’ to uncover customer expectations to help drive process changes to improve customer loyalty and operating efficiencies. Typical results from Datanautix’ business process reengineering deployment yield 20-30 percent in savings while driving overall customer satisfaction scores up by 10-20 percent. For more information, please visit http://www.datanautix.com/.

About Stellar:
Stellar is a leading global call center and business process outsourcing provider, with over 6,000 employees across 19 centers in Australia, UK, USA, Canada and the Philippines. Stellar’s innovative solutions help clients reduce operating costs, improve quality levels and increase revenue and profitability. The company serves a range of clients in the telecommunications, utilities, transport, finance, government and manufacturing industries. In addition to call center outsourcing, Stellar specializes in document management, workflow automation technology and process outsourcing solutions. For more information, visit http://www.stellarbpo.com/.

About the UCF Incubation Program:
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Incubation Program has helped more than 100 emerging companies (including nearly 70 current clients) create over $500 million in annual revenue and more than 900 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With five facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development between the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Winter Springs, and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit http://www.incubator.ucf.edu/.

Stirling Investment and Commercial Group Negotiates Two New Lease Agreements at Lexington Plaza in Sanford

Stirling Investment and Commercial Group Negotiates Two New Lease Agreements at Lexington Plaza in Sanford

SANFORD, Fla. - Stirling Investment and Commercial Group, a division of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, recently negotiated two new long-term lease agreements at Lexington Plaza, located on S.R. 46 at Mangoustine Rd. in Sanford.

Frank Dever, managing director of Stirling Investment and Commercial Group, negotiated both lease agreements representing the landlord, Lexington Plaza LLC.

Discount Rx Pharmacy leased 1,500 square feet of retail space. Dever also represented the tenant, Discount Rx Pharmacy.

Gentiva Health Care leased 2,740 square feet of space. Mohr Partners represented the tenant, Gentiva Home Health Care.

For more information, please contact:
Frank Dever, Managing Director, Stirling Investment and Commercial Group, 407-571-2234
Roger Soderstrom,Owner/Founder Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, 407-588-1260,br>Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Mattamy Homes USA starts Construction of Three New Model Homes at Circle Cross Ranch in Queen’s Creek

Mattamy Homes USA starts Construction of Three New Model Homes at Circle Cross Ranch in Queen’s Creek

TEMPE, Ariz. - Mattamy Homes, the U.S. division of Canada’s largest homebuilder, has started construction of three new single-family model homes priced from the $130s at Circle Cross Ranch on 1028 West Jamaica Hope Way in Queen’s Creek, north of Hunt Highway on Gary Road. The Grand Opening for the fully decorated model homes is expected in late May.
The three new designs also include large great rooms, double master bedroom closets, large covered patios and two or three-car garages, depending on model home plan.
Mattamy Homes is building 145 new single-family homes in the continuing phase of Circle Cross Ranch, Morrison said.

Mattamy Homes Arizona division office is located at 4041 S. McClintock Drive in Tempe. For more information about Mattamy Homes Arizona, please call 480-302-6080 or visit our website at http://www.mattamyhomes.com/.

For more information about the news release contact:
Carolyn Morrison, VP Operations, Mattamy Homes Phoenix, 480-302-6080
Laura Bailey, VP Sales and Marketing Mattamy Homes USA, 407-599-9994
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

About Mattamy Homes:
Mattamy Homes (http://www.mattamyhomes.com/) expanded into the U.S. in 2003 and is headquartered in Winter Park, Fla. with divisions in Phoenix, Minneapolis, Charlotte, Orlando and Jacksonville. The homebuilder, the largest and most active in Canada with annual revenues exceeding $1.3 billion was ranked among the highest of all homebuilders in the greater Toronto and Ottawa areas in a nationwide customer satisfaction survey conducted by J.D. Power Associates.

Lennar’s Central Florida Division Starts Construction of New Model Homes, Unveils New Floor Plans at Stoneybrook Hills in Mount Dora

Lennar’s Central Florida Division Starts Construction of New Model Homes, Unveils New Floor Plans at Stoneybrook Hills in Mount Dora

ORLANDO, Fla. - Lennar’s Central Florida Division has started construction of new single-family model homes and unveiled new floor plans priced from the $160s at Stoneybrook Hills, located off U.S. 441 south of S.R. 46 in Mount Dora.

Mark Metheny, president of Lennar’s Central Florida Division, said new three and four bedroom single-family homes in the gated, resort-style community range in size from 1,353 square feet of living space to 2,508 square feet.

Lennar’s two new model homes will open this summer in the Oakridge neighborhood at Stoneybrook Hills, and the homebuilder will soon start models in Crestview at Stoneybrook Hills, according to Metheny.

For more information, contact:
Elizabeth Hill, Sales and Marketing Administrator – Central Florida 407 654-4862 x113, Elizabeth.Hill@lennar.com
Paul V. Brooks, Lennar Director of Sales & Marketing-Central Florida 407-654-4862, Paul.Brooks@lennar.com;
Mark Metheny, Lennar Division President-Central Florida, 813-769-5277, Mark.Metheny@Lennar.com
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, lvershelco@aol.com

Small Bay Partners to Start Construction of First Phase of Industrial Facility in Southeast Orlando

Small Bay Partners to Start Construction of First Phase of Industrial Facility in Southeast Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – Small Bay Partners, LLC, which ranks as one of the region’s most active developers of industrial facilities for small bay users, plans to start construction on the first phase of a new CommerCenter project at 7629 Narcoossee Road (just North of the Beachline Expressway) in southeast Orlando before the end of the year.

Howard Schieferdecker, one of the principals in the firm, said Small Bay is taking a fresh approach with its new project.

Along with industrial space, the firm plans to develop 14,000 square feet of retail space and 106,000 square feet of industrial condominiums in the 120,000 square foot CommerCenter facility.

The first phase will include 57,000 square feet, Schieferdecker said, including all of the planned retail space.

Small Bay Partners has developed more than 500,000 square feet of industrial space in four Central Florida locations in Sanford, Winter Garden, South and East Orlando.

Small Bay reports it has sold some 33,150 square feet of space – 45 percent of the condo space available – in the fourth phase at Monroe CommerCenter in Sanford.

Schieferdecker said 40,500 square feet of space remains for sale at Monroe CommerCenter IV with the total project being 73,650 square feet of small bay industrial space.

For more information contact:
Howard Schieferdecker, Principal Small Bay Partners, LLC 407-702-3131, haschief@aol.com;
Geof Longstaff, Principal Small Bay Partners, LLC - 407-786-5040; glongstaff@mercantilecc.com;
George Livingston, Principal, Small Bay Partners LLC - 407-857-9989 glivingston@realvest.com;
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Launches Rental Lifestyles Residential Property Management Services, Appoints Peter Voigt Performance Director

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Launches Rental Lifestyles Residential Property Management Services, Appoints Peter Voigt Performance Director

ORLANDO, Fla. - Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty has launched Rental Lifestyles, a five star property management service that will focus on leasing luxury and executive homes, town homes and condominiums.

Roger Soderstrom, owner and founder of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said he appointed Peter Voigt performance director of Rental Lifestyles. (http://www.cflrentals.com/)

Voigt, a licensed real estate broker who majored in Marketing at the University of Central Florida, has more than nine years of experience. He was formerly affiliated with Orlando Rental Store, LLC, and Big Apple International Realty in Longwood.

“Rental Lifestyles will bring an entirely new rental concept to Central Florida that will offer clients a manner of living that reflects their values and attitudes,” said Soderstrom.

Soderstrom said Stirling Sotheby’s Rental Lifestyles will provide residents personal contact with a professional Lifestyle Consultant that will assist them in finding the right neighborhood, amenities and the lifestyle they’re looking for, as well as ongoing services and support they may require in the future.

“It is our commitment to provide every customer with five star service and place them in a property that fits their budget,” Soderstrom said.

“With our marketing scope and Sotheby’s International Realty affiliation, we are in a unique position to offer rental property owners an enormous market base that includes U.S. and international clients,” Soderstrom said.

For more information please contact:

Roger Soderstrom, Founder/Owner Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty 407-588-1260

Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty:

Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive services include luxury residential, new homes, commercial, worldwide auctions, property management, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates five performance centers which serve all of Central Florida.

Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida Appoints Cheryl Harrington Vice President of Retail Services in Melbourne

Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida Appoints Cheryl Harrington Vice President of Retail Services in Melbourne

MELBOURNE, Fla. - Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida, which is associated with 130 Grubb & Ellis offices worldwide, has appointed Cheryl Harrington vice president of Retail Services in Melbourne.

Jeffrey Sweeney, SIOR, president of Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida, said Harrington has more than thirteen years of experience in real estate including seven years in Florida as a commercial real estate broker with another five years in Illinois.

Harrington dealt with all aspects of the leasing, management and/or development of seventeen commercial properties including office and retail properties totaling more than 500,000 square feet, managing in excess of 120 tenants.

“Cheryl’s great people skills enable her to open and close deals in our arena. We think she’ll add an amazing energy to Grubb & Ellis,” Sweeney said.

Prior to joining Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida Harrington was a commercial leasing and sales manager for The Coy A. Clark Company in West Melbourne.

For more information, contact:

Jeff Sweeney, President Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida, 407-481-5378, jsweeney@commercialfl.com

Cheryl Harrington, VP of Retail Services, Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida, 304 S. Harbor City Blvd. Ste. 101, Melbourne, FL 32901, 321-984-1957

Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, lvershelco@aol.com

Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida:

Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida is an affiliated commercial real estate services firm specializing in the leasing and sale of office, industrial, retail, land and investment properties. Currently Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida has 40 brokers divided among its Melbourne, Orlando and Tampa offices to serve the entire mid-Florida marketplace.

About Grubb & Ellis:

Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE) is one of the largest and most respected commercial real estate services and investment companies. With more than 130 owned and affiliate offices worldwide, Grubb & Ellis offers property owners, corporate occupants and investors comprehensive integrated real estate solutions, including transaction, management, consulting and investment advisory services supported by proprietary market research and extensive local market expertise.

Grubb & Ellis and its subsidiaries are leading sponsors of real estate investment programs that provide individuals and institutions the opportunity to invest in a broad range of real estate investment vehicles, including tax-deferred 1031 tenant-in-common (TIC) exchanges; public non-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs) and real estate investment funds. As of Sept. 30, 2008, more than $3.8 billion in investor equity has been raised for these investment programs. The company and its subsidiaries currently manage a growing portfolio of more than 225 million square feet of real estate. In 2007, Grubb & Ellis was selected from among 15,000 vendors as Microsoft Corporation's Vendor of the Year. For more information regarding Grubb & Ellis Company, please visit http://www.grubb-ellis.com/.

Aswin Suri opens new EXIT Realty of Daytona Real Estate Brokerage at 211 International Speedway Blvd. in Daytona

Aswin Suri opens new EXIT Realty of Daytona Real Estate Brokerage at 211 International Speedway Blvd. in Daytona, recruits 28 new Realty agents, expect to hire 70 more this year

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Exit Realty has moved into its new facility at 211 E. International Speedway Blvd. in Daytona Beach and has already recruited 28 new realty agents.

Exit Realty Owner Aswin Suri, who has more than 25 years of experience in real estate, said Exit Realty is undergoing something few recession-era companies can report: a growth boom.

“We expect to have more than 100 agents before the end of this year,” Suri said.
Over the past two years, Suri sold real estate properties worth more than $62 million, and ranked number one in sales volume for 2007 and 2008.

“Right now we have 24 commercial and residential sales under contract valued at more than $5 million,” Suri said.

Exit Realty spent more than $100,000 to renovate a three-story, 8,000 square foot building as its new headquarters, Suri said.

A grand opening and ribbon-cutting event are planned for April 24 with local elected officials and business leaders.

For more information, contact:
Aswin Suri, MHA, B.A., Owner Exit Realty of Daytona, 386-383-3000 (direct)
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

Grubb & Ellis|Commercial Florida Appoints Nat Barganier Executive Director of Distressed Properties Group

Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida Appoints Nat Barganier Executive Director of Distressed Properties Group

TAMPA, Fla. - Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida, associated with 130 Grubb & Ellis offices worldwide, has appointed Nat Barganier executive director of the firm’s Distressed Properties Group, which provides receivership, management, repositioning and disposition services for special real estate assets throughout Florida.

Jeffrey Sweeney, SIOR, president of Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida, in Tampa, Orlando and Melbourne, said Barganier will also assume a key role in the firm’s expanding Multi-Family Advisory Group working closely with Sweeney, investment advisor Kelly Oliver and marketing coordinator Larry Leitzman in the disposition of multi-family properties.

Barganier, a graduate of Texas State University in San Marcos, has more than 25 years of experience in commercial real estate. Prior to joining Grubb & Ellis, Barganier was a veteran of Camden Property Trust (CPT:NYSE) and served as vice president of Multi-Family Investment for the Southeast Region. His responsibilities included multi-family development, acquisition and disposition of numerous projects with locations ranging from Washington D.C. to Boca Raton.

“We are pleased an executive of Nat Barganier’s experience has joined our firm and we expect him to play a major role in our growth,” said Sweeney.

About Grubb & Ellis:
Grubb & Ellis Company (NYSE: GBE) is one of the largest and most respected commercial real estate services and investment companies. With more than 130 owned and affiliate offices worldwide, Grubb & Ellis offers property owners, corporate occupants and investors comprehensive integrated real estate solutions, including transaction, management, consulting and investment advisory services supported by proprietary market research and extensive local market expertise.

Grubb & Ellis and its subsidiaries are leading sponsors of real estate investment programs that provide individuals and institutions the opportunity to invest in a broad range of real estate investment vehicles, including tax-deferred 1031 tenant-in-common (TIC) exchanges; public non-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs) and real estate investment funds. As of September 30, 2008, more than $3.8 billion in investor equity has been raised for these investment programs. The company and its subsidiaries currently manage a growing portfolio of more than 225 million square feet of real estate. In 2007, Grubb & Ellis was selected from among 15,000 vendors as Microsoft Corporation's Vendor of the Year. For more information regarding Grubb & Ellis Company, please visit http://www.grubb-ellis.com/.

For Information:
Nat Barganier, Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida, 813-639-1111 ext. 205
Kelly Oliver, Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida, 813-639-1111 ext. 262
Jeffrey Sweeney, Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida, 407-481-5387
Larry Leitzman, Grubb & EllisCommercial Florida, 813-830-7890 ext. 300
Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142

Melrose Sovereign Companies appoints new property manager, three new leasing agents

Melrose Sovereign Companies appoints new property manager, three new leasing agents

ORLANDO, Fla. - Melrose Sovereign Companies, the Orlando-based real estate management firm that specializes in rental apartment communities, condominiums and home owner associations, recently appointed a new property manager and three new leasing agents.

Ellen Lumpkin, LCAM, co-founder and partner at the firm, said Belinda Diaz was recently appointed property manager. She has been in the real estate industry for 11 years.

New leasing agents are Kyla Lacey, Yuri Abad and Porsche Merino.

For more information, contact:
Ellen G. Lumpkin, LCAM, Partner/Co-founder, Melrose-Sovereign Companies, 407-228-4181, elumpkin@melrose-sovereign.com
Jack B. Hanson, LCAM, Partner/Co-founder, Melrose-Sovereign Companies, 407-228-4181, jhanson@melrose-sovereign.com
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142, Lvershelco@aol.com

Ashton Woods Homes has only 12 homesites remaining at Camden Woods in Riverview; Three new Single Family Homes Priced from $159,900 nearly complete

Ashton Woods Homes has only 12 homesites remaining at Camden Woods in Riverview; Three new Single Family Homes Priced from $159,900 nearly complete

TAMPA, Fla. - Ashton Woods Homes has only 12 homesites remaining at the community of Camden Woods, located off 78th Street in Riverview, where its new single family homes are priced from $159,900 to the mid-$200s.

Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing, said Ashton Woods Homes recently started three new single-family homes at Camden Woods, and one of the new homes will be ready by the end of April. Two more will be completed in June, Roche said.

New three and four-bedroom single-family homes at Camden Woods range in size from 1,712 square feet of living space to 3,062 square feet.

Ashton Woods Homes is a subsidiary of the Great Gulf Group of Companies, a North American real estate conglomerate headquartered in Toronto, and currently has communities under development in Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix, Tampa, Denver and Orlando.

For more information, contact:
Michael Roche, VP Sales & Marketing Ashton Woods Homes-Tampa/Orlando 407-647-3700
John Reny, President, Ashton Woods Homes-Tampa/Orlando; 407-647-3700
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, LV Communications, 407-644-4142

Two Orange City real estate professionals form new residential real estate firm to fill void in today’s market

Two Orange City real estate professionals form new residential real estate firm to fill void in today’s market

ORANGE CITY – Longtime commercial real estate broker John Wanamaker and state-certified real estate instructor Tom Milton have formed a new Orange City-based residential real estate company.

Wanamaker, broker of Coldwell Banker Commercial AI Group, and Milton, a residential real estate veteran with 22 years of experience, formed The CornerStone Group in March to handle business planning for the financing of new real estate services that are being adapted for today’s changing real estate market, according to Milton.

A former general manager for the Coldwell Banker Real Estate Network, Milton has served as chief administrator and instructor of the West Volusia School of Realty and instructor for the first for-credit university intern program for Florida real estate students. He also is a past director of the West Volusia Association of Realtors.

“We formed this company to fill a niche in today’s challenging residential market,” Milton said. “The CornerStone Group is a collection of top local professionals who have teamed up to face the complexities of the market using each member’s unique talents in the field.”

The company specializes in short sales, pre-foreclosures, property management, Internet marketing, as well as relocation and international marketing, he said.

About Coldwell Banker Commercial AI Group:
Owned and operated by commercial real estate veterans John Wanamaker and Chuck Rudis, Coldwell Banker Commercial AIG is a leader in the listing, leasing and selling of properties, as well as a premier developer of community-friendly and LEED-accredited projects for small business owners.

For more information about this release, please contact:
Tom Milton, broker for The CornerStone Group, 386-774-0203 or 386-848-2034
John Wanamaker, broker for Coldwell Banker Commercial AI Group, 386-775-8633, john@cbciagroup.com
Charlene Hager-Van Dyke, Larry Vershel Communications, 386-837-8780, 407-644-4142 or chagervandyke@yahoo.com

Ashton Woods Homes has Three new Town Home Buildings underway with homes priced from $159,900 at Wickham Park in Windermere

Ashton Woods Homes has Three new Town Home Buildings underway with homes priced from $159,900 at Wickham Park in Windermere

ORLANDO, Fla. - Ashton Woods Homes recently started construction of three new town home buildings with homes priced from $159,900 at Wickham Park, located on Overstreet Rd. off County Road 535 in Windermere.

Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing at Ashton Woods Homes in the Orlando region, said one of the five-unit buildings will be completed and open by the end of April, another one in May, and the third, with three town homes, in June.

Roche said town homes at Wickham Park range in size from 1,472 square feet of living space to 1,887 square feet with three bedrooms, two baths, two-car garages and each unit has its own private courtyard.

Wickham Park boasts an amenity center with a private clubhouse – featuring a kitchen, living room and gameroom – and an oversized swimming pool.

Ashton Woods Homes is a subsidiary of the Great Gulf Group of Companies, a North American real estate conglomerate headquartered in Toronto, and currently has communities under development in Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix, Tampa, Denver and Orlando.

For more information, contact:
Michael Roche, VP Sales & Marketing Ashton Woods Homes-Orlando/Tampa; 407-647-3700
John Reny, President, Ashton Woods Homes-Orlando/Tampa 407-647-3700
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, LV Communications, 407-644-4142

ABD Development Reports Five Villa Homes Remain for Sale at Lakeside Villas at Providence Golf & Country Club

ABD Development Reports Five Villa Homes Remain for Sale at Lakeside Villas at Providence Golf & Country Club

ORLANDO, Fla. - ABD Development Company reports only five villa homes remain for sale at Lakeside Villas at Providence Golf & Country Club, located of U.S. 17-92 in the Loughman-Davenport area of Polk County.

David Kohn, president of ABD Development Company, said the five villa homes remaining range in size from 2,246 square feet to 3,000 square feet, priced from the high $200s.

Kohn said a three-bedroom model home is available for viewing. With 2,500 square feet of living space, the model is priced at $369,000.

For more information, contact
David Kohn, President, ABD Development Company, 407-370-6400
Sofi Coffey, Marketing Manager ABD Development Company, 407-370-6400
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142

UCF and City of Orlando Business Development Center on Colonial Drive to Expand

UCF and City of Orlando Business Development Center on Colonial Drive to Expand

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Orlando Business Development Center District 2, (OBDC) a partnership of the City of Orlando and the University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program, located at 3218 E. Colonial Drive, will expand over the next 90 days.

Dr. Tom O’Neal, associate vice president for the University’s Department of Research & Commercialization and executive director of the UCF Business Incubation Program, said the center will more than double the size of its facilities from 2,400 square feet of office space to 6,000 square feet.

O’Neal said UCF is currently interviewing applicants to choose a full-time site manager for OBDC, which opened last year directly across from Fashion Square mall.

“Even in this economic slump, we are seeing a steady interest in business incubation from new companies in the community and we are increasing our capacity to serve more entrepreneurial enterprises,” O’Neal explained.

O’Neal said the Orlando Business Development Center was empowered by a recent nationwide study that shows business incubators rank as the most cost effective stimulators of local economic development.

“Job growth and economic activity in the U.S. are largely dependent on the health of small business enterprises, and effective business incubator programs are one of the best ways to stimulate small business growth and development,” O’Neal said. O’Neal said UCF Business Incubation Program client companies are already positioning themselves to take advantage of new funding offered by the U.S. Economic Recovery Act and stimulus programs.

The UCF Business Incubation Program currently serves more than 70 full-time client companies in five locations, and provides a wide range of walk-in services.

For more information contact:
Tom O’Neal. Ph.D, UCF Associate Vice President for Research and Commercialization and Incubation Program Executive Director, 407-882-1120, oneal@mail.ucf.edu;
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications 407-644-4142 Lvershelco@aol.com

About the UCF Incubation Program:
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Incubation Program has helped more than 100 emerging companies (including nearly 70 current clients) create over $500 million in annual revenue and more than 900 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With five facilities across the metro Orlando community, the Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development between UCF, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Winter Springs, and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit http://www.incubator.ucf.edu/.